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Winter Wonderland

2010-12-02T01:39:00.000-08:00

The Heavenly Storehouses of Snow have fallen on Kandern. It's absolutely beautiful.

Interesting Story about Zurich

2010-11-18T03:29:00.000-08:00

My British sister, Betty Jo, visited us again in November. We decided to take a trip to Zurich. One notable thing about the city was how "open" they are with their advertisements, especially concerning the sex industry. This was the first time I had experienced this type of exposure with the kids. We were looking for a place to get some ice cream and their little eyes were looking in every direction. It was difficult to steer them away from some very large poster advertisements. Finally; I just told them they were "medical posters" and we started looking for a park.

The most interesting thing about the experience, was a conversation with other staff at BFA the next week. One co-worker told me her senior daughter was in Zurich that week with another group and they were evangelizing in the "red light district, at night". These students go on missions every spring to places in Africa, Asia, and Europe. They also go on short trip missions during the school year. These students are getting a first rate education that is not only academic, but also experiential. They are raised up and equipped to live in this world without being devoured by this world. They grow in strength together and desire to show the love of Christ to every nation. I don't know where else in the world that this happens, but it touches my heart when I think that God has allowed our family to be a part of it.

We love you and miss you,

Loving and Serving Christ,
The Pogson Family

School starts in 4 days!

2010-08-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

We have been very busy getting ready for school to start up again. It is amazing watching how God puts all the talents together, sometimes in the 12th hour, but it gets done. We are praying for some teachers and staff who have been delayed for medical reasons, and some for financial reasons.

I wanted to share with you a conversation I overheard in the hall today as some of the students are arriving. It made my heart swell with pride for the amazing staff that cares for these students while they are away from their families....

3 boys in the hall... (1st boy) "Wow, it seems weird feeling so comfortable at school". (2nd boy) "yea I know, me too." (3rd boy)... I remember my first day here; I felt like I was going to throw up. (boys 1 and 2) "really?" (boy 3).. "yea; I had been home schooled all my life....." voices fade in the hall.

The thing about these students is that they make each other strong. They all have very different and complicated lives. They pull together and will build eternal relationships. I just wanted to take a moment to share a snippet of what you are part of in this ministry.

Love, Sheila

Our Plans vs. God's Plans.

2010-04-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

We have BIG plans for the Summer!

Sheila will be staying in Kandern with the triplets during the Summer while Brian returns to the US for a few weeks. While Brian is gone, Sheila... as usual.. is planning more than she can possibly get done.

SHEILA's PLANS

1. Repair the holes in the roof of the shed, from the hail storm several years ago.

2. Shore up the back of the shed that is falling apart. The widow that lives behind us is very concerned the whole thing is going to come crashing down onto her fence and into her back yard. I can't rule that out as a possibility.

I also need to haul off all the wood, bricks, rocks, and junk I pulled out of the shed and various places in the yard.

I also am planning to plant a vegetable garden and an herb garden. This should save us a good amount of grocery costs and also give my black thumb an ego boost. Everything seems to grow well here without much effort. I found some seeds for chili peppers, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, zucchini, dill, and basil. I'm hoping to find some cilantro.

And; I need to trim the tree next to the other widow neighbor. It's too much work for her when our leaves fall into her yard.

So that's just around the house. Of coarse I also plan to take the girls to the Kandern Pool often, the water is very cold, but we can walk to it and they really enjoy it. Plus they sleep well on swim days. : ) And we will all be missing Daddy.

Brian's Plans:

Brian will be returning to the U.S. to try to shore up our partnership and financial support. We have been supplementing our funding with our savings and that has it's limits.

Brian and I will schedule appointments in the US, with anyone wanting to hear about our ministry. He will base his schedule on responses we get from newsletters, email, and word of mouth. We are planning for him to be gone 4 to 6 weeks. Sometime around mid June to mid July. He will probably be driving from Nebraska to Texas, California, and Washington; but that's all up to how the scheduling of appointments goes. We wish we could all go, but Brian can cover much more ground on his own at a great reduction in cost.

God's Plans:

You know how to make God laugh? ...... show Him your plans.

Despite the challenges we have faced during this first 8 months; we very strongly feel that God has equipped us specifically for serving Him here in Kandern, Germany. Every month that we are here we find the original challenges to be less daunting, and God finds more ways to stretch us for the next month. It's a joy to see what God is doing in the lives of BFA students, and staff. We also get to be a part in reaching the local community for Christ. It is our prayer that we can serve here for as long as God wants us to be here.

Your Plans:

Is God giving you a heart for His mission at Black Forest Academy and Teach Beyond? Is He wispering names or places in your ear? We ask you to pray for us as a family. Please pray for our ability to complete the work God has commisioned us to do here. Please pray for the LORD's protection over the school, and the families of the students that attend BFA. Prayerfully consider asking your small group, Bible study, church, friends, family,..... to schedule a presentation with Brian or just to sit and talk with him this summer. We urge you to prayerfully consider comming along side us as a partner in this ministry.

May the God of Peace bless you and your family,

Brian and Sheila Pogson

Mysteries of Kandern

2010-03-12T03:22:00.000-08:00

Mystery 3:
Where is Spring?

I see robins all year long.

But it still looks like this..... ????

Easter is in 2 weeks.

literature week

2010-03-05T04:29:00.000-08:00

The school is having their "Reading Olympics!" They get to dress up as their favorite literary charachter. Jennifer chose Aslin, from Narnia.

Heather chose Elina from Mermaidia.

And Hannah chose Dandilion from Mermaidia.

Aren't they adorable!!!

Mysteries of Kandern Germany (2)

2010-02-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

Mystery 2:
How do they do that?

Log stacking here is an ART!

I feel like I did my share of stacking when I was in high school, but it never looked like this! I think it's amazing. Every house in the village has a perfectly formed stack of wood near their house.

Possible explanations?
1. It's genetic.
2. They take wood stacking 101 in 1st grade.
3. They buy "pre-fab" stacks of wood.

Any more ideas?

The Mysteries of Kandern, Germany

2010-02-12T04:37:00.000-08:00

Mystery 1:
Why do the leaves only fall on our yard?

I wish I had taken pictures of the neighbors yards this fall. I could have shown you how perfect they were. Maybe next year. I would do it now, but it's snowing. So I ripped off this pic from the Shuman's blog. Even their golf coarse is leafless in the fall.

All the yards here in Germany have trees, but for some unexplainable reason... our yard gets covered with leaves when the neighbors yards don't. How do they do that?

Here are the only possible explanations I can come up with....

1. They teach the wind and the trees to only drop leaves into our yard.

2. In the event that a leaf does fall... they run out into their yard and grab the leaf. They then run back into the house very quickly.

3. They convince their pets to pick up the leaves and carry them over to our yard.

4. The sheep eat them.

What do you think? Any ideas?

Sheila

Christmas in Germany

2010-02-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

Germany really knows how to do Christmas BIG! If anyone is thinking of visiting us while we are here, you may want to consider any time in December.

The girls were excited to learn that there is Christmas in Germany too. I think they were a little worried about that until we got our tree.

This year everyone got things like scarfs, gloves, earmuffs, coats, snow boots, etc... and a few toys.

Then we had to modify our traditional Christmas day walk to the beach. The girls put on just about every gift they had just received, grabbed their new umbrellas, and we took a hike to some nearby castle ruins.

We got to the castle latter than expected. The sun was going down and it was starting to snow.

The girls
were right...
We should have brought their new flashlights also.

We hiked back down the mountain in no time. We got home just as the sun went down. The hot chocolate was the best I had ever tasted in a very long time!

Although we miss you all and the beautiful Aptos climate, we thank God every day that we can be here. I truly believe Brian's professional experience was a great need here and we are blessed to have your support to make that happen.

A very belated Merry Christmas to all of you. Please forgive the huge gap between posts. We do think of you often and pray for you regularly.

Love Brian, Sheila, Hannah, Jennifer, and Heather.

2010-02-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Fehler vs. Falle....

They actually sound pretty much the same, (or at least to me the do) but it's important to know the difference. So... Just in case you ever find yourself "accidently" taking a case of milk from a German grocery store: the correct phrase to use is:

"Ich habe einen Fehler gemacht." (I made a mistake).

Just trust me... "Ich habe eine Falle." (I made a trap) is NOT the recommended response!

Thank God the cashier was patient and understanding. Also, pretty generous.. She gave me a chocholate bar on my way out. : -0

Family Visits

2009-11-05T02:05:00.000-08:00

Sheila's "Brittish Sister" Betty flew down for a weeks visit. We had an extra bonus when Sheila's Uncle Gary from Linn Mo., and his cousin Harold Schmidt were able to stop in for a few hours also! We had a great family time and we got a chance to explore the area a bit as we "showed them around". The Autum colors were amazing, so we went for a hike in the country and took lots of pictures. Betty has been living in England for 27 years now, so she was a great help teaching me some of the differences in cooking over here. It's a whole new way of doing things. She also brought me some crisco,and chocholate chips which are very expensive here and sometimes hard to get.

It was a surprise to us that family made it here to Kandern Germany before our house hold goods shipment did. It has been stuck in England for over a month now, tied up in customes and who knows what else. But it has now officially cleared customes and is scheduled for delivery on November 16th. We are still praying for it's timely and safe arrival.

We have been doing fine in our appartment without our "stuff". Only because we live in a community that is built on faith........ “Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Gal. 6:10 (Message)

When we moved into the appartment it was stocked with many of the things we would need. We purchased a few things, borrowed some, and have received gifts of warm clothes, dressers and such from the BFA community. We bought a dryer for 40 Euros and borrow a rolling pin from the downstairs neighbors every Friday so we can continue our tradition of home-made Pizza on Friday nights. We have adapted our Pizza, popcorn, and movie night to game night since we don't have a TV. It has been a great blessing to live in such a communtiy.

Blessings to all, and I hope to add photos soon.
Love in Christ,
The Pogson Family

We're Here! We're Here! We're Here!

2009-09-07T04:25:00.000-07:00

Every morning, when I open the rouloten (window shade) in the girls room, I am surprised to see Kandern Germany outside my window. I thank God for the beautiful day He made for us, and for our partners that make it all possible.

The girls are enjoying 1st grade. They just love their teacher Mrs. Schmidt (and so do I). She pays close attention to their spelling and handwritting. They are starting to adjust to their sack lunches; eating competes with playground time and the lunches were loosing out the first few days. They especially like PE with Mr. Pelton (Marty). They have made friends that speak English (from Great Brittan) German, and Sweedish. They still share a room at home and start AWANA next Tuesday. With our dearly loved Jesse Frank!

We have been walking a lot, and it has been wonderful. We live up a pretty good size hill and I buy a few groceries at least once a day. Saves me gym membership fees and allows me to enjoy the German bread and Swiss chocolate as much as I want. We had a couple rainny days though, and I am now a little more motivated to look for a family van.

I can't believe it's already September. Last year after halloween, the girls told me they wanted to dress up as veggie tale charachters. Silly me; I said "sure! I'll have to make the costumes, but we can figure it out.". Now what do I do?!? I only have a needle and a little thread. I don't know if I should call McGuiver or Martha Stewart! I also have some curtains to sew, I guess I'm going to have to buy some more thread, or maybe that hem stuff you just iron on.

We are settling into our new home and our new jobs. We have everything we need and expect to get our shipment from the states in early October. Then we will have more clothes, food, and kitchen things. Brian's job is keeping him busy, he has a lot to get up to speed with, but is already being a great help. I enjoy the low stress of the library job and look forward to getting to know the students better as time goes on.

We have more prayer cards now. If you do not have one, or if yours was blured with the print of our last newsletter, then please let us know. We can send you another one.

Letters and emails are welcome! We would love to hear from you. If you send care packages, keep the cost of the contents below $50. Or we have to pay custome fees in order to get them. Some things we don't have here are: maple syrup, brown sugar, and ranch salad dressing.

Take care, and please let us know if you have prayer requests. May God Bless you and those you Love: Brian, Sheila, and the girls

We're going to Germany!

2009-08-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

After a lot of prayer and thought we've decided to go ahead and move to Germany even though we are only at 40% funding for the year. We will be leaving on August 21.

We will self fund for the deficit, however we will be back in the States next summer support raising in the hope that God will provide enough funding for 100% the following year.

It’s just another step of faith as we truly believe that BFA is where God would use us.

We will continue to try and raise support while in Germany as well, so please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Pray for our upcoming transition and our support needs that we still have.

If you feel lead to support us, please review the links on the right side of this page or feel free to contact us by email at bpogson@janzteam.com or by phone for the next week at 408-393-9471.

Also, to partner with us financially please check the following link http://sites.google.com/site/pogsoninfosite/Home/Pledge-AWDForm%28Combined-fillable%29.doc?attredirects=0

Thank You! Thank You, to those of you who have come along side and partnered with us to enable this to happen. Praise GOD! for your faithfulness.

Back in St. Louis

2009-08-12T15:02:00.001-07:00

We're back in St. Louis for a while visiting Sheila's sister Barbara (Jeanie).

Finishing up support raising in the hope of being in Germany before the end of August. We are so close I can almost smell the brautwurst.

Adapting to a new culture

2009-07-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

No, we are not in Germany yet, Sheila and the kids are in Mid-West-America! The girls are getting some practice in what it’s like to adapt to a new culture. Some of the things they have learned are:

• Some fences have pokey wires on them
• Horses will eat carrots out of your hand
• Alpaca’s are very soft
• The produce isle is in your back yard
• Some bugs light up
• Some roads are made out of small rocks
• Mosquito repellant is worth every penny
• English can sound very different in different places in the US
• Some people have no clocks in their house except for the one on the microwave that is blinking the wrong time

Heather, Jennifer & Hannah

St. Louis, MO

They are adapting to the stress of packing up their lives and driving across the US. I think they are so distracted by all the new adventures; they hardly miss a thing, except Daddy. Brian is in CA working on the partnership building phase of our ministry with plans of driving to WA on Wednesday July 8. August 2nd is just around the corner. We trust that the LORD will provide and His timing is perfect.

Our love and prayers to you all.

Sheila on Moving

2009-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

The big move:

I wish I had pictures of the move, I had to get these off the Moore’s website. The whole day is a little hazy, but I seem to remember taking some pictures. Brian and I had presentations planned up to the day before the move. It was a little crazy but we made it; thanks to Jim Delongchamp, who helped us pack and my sister Chris who kept the triplets in Sacramento for 4 days. They had a blast by the way.

I just have to put in a good word for Moore’s Executive Movers. As most of you know, my Dad served in the Air Force for 20 years and I served in the Navy for 10 years. So I like to claim I did 30 years in the military. Ha ha …too bad I don’t get that retirement check. Along with that came many moves, some by myself and some with larger professional companies. If I could choose from here on out, I would use Moore’s movers every time. It was the least stressful move I have ever made, even though it was the first time I had to stay up all night packing. We have way too much stuff.

These guys were amazing. They stayed in contact, they delivered boxes and tape, and packing material at low cost and even some at no cost because they are supportive of our ministry. Their estimate was very close despite the fact that we kept changing our minds about what we were going ship or leave behind. The packing crew worked together like family (well… like a family that gets along all the time). I have had some terrible experiences with some movers and these guys were a gift from God. I can not say enough about them. Not even 1 cuss word, not a single power struggle among them, they wrapped and protected my furniture on every side, top and bottom. Most movers just throw a blanket over the mirror. These guys carefully taped blankets front and back. Not a single complaint about our heavy marble top furniture or fight about who’s turn it was to carry the big stuff. They were very good at communicating. I felt I could express any concern at any time and they were very attentive to our needs.

Delivery went just as smoothly. I love these guys.
Call 877-394-8274 for a FREE Estimate!

Latest Update

2009-06-30T11:55:00.001-07:00

This will be quick, but I wanted to update you all on our status.

Well, where to begin? Since the last post we have moved out of our house and moved our belongings into storage at my sister's house in Nebraska. Thanks, Angie. We have rented out our house and signed a 1 year lease with the renters.

Sheila and I attended Janz Team Ministries (Teach-Beyond) Pre-field orientation in Bloomington, MN. Below is the picture of the 2009 Janz Team new staff.

Since, then we have split up with me on the west coast, currently in California, to finish up support raising and Sheila and the girls are in the central US visiting her sisters and other relatives.

Pray that God will move hearts so I can be back in the Mid-West for the girls 6th birthday in the mid-west by July 18th.

Blessings on you all.

The packing continues

2009-05-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

As you can see the kids are quite excited to get in on the packing, even the neighbor kids. Although, I'm not quite sure they have the concept down ;)

Please, pray a safe uneventful move as we pack up our belongings for storage and shipment.

We got the proofs for our prayer cards

2009-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

We received the proof for our prayer cards today. I think they turned out pretty good.

boxes, BOXES, BOXES!

2009-04-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

Next Steps:

We are already being blessed in so many ways through this amazing journey.

God has provided prayer, emotional support, and a sense of peace in an avalanche of tasks and deadlines.

God has been showing us confirmation of this calling in every step we take.

And now that we have been accepted by both BFA and Janz Team Ministries; that next step is to build a team of partners to help provide the means for us to do God’s work abroad.

Opportunities:

Brian and I know that God has already touched the hearts of those who desire to partner in this ministry and He will direct the steps to lead us through the path of His will.

We are passionate about the opportunity to be sent by God to care for and minister to the students at BFA and indirectly allow their families to reach the millions who live in a persecuted world. We believe in this calling and know in our hearts that God will provide.

THINK OUTSIDE OF THE boxes, BOXES, BOXES! We’ve all heard “God works in mysterious ways”. A little boy in the book of Mathew gave his humble lunch of 2 small fish and 5 loaves of bread. God used it to feed thousands. God gave the Hebrews manna from Heaven. There are many ways to partner with us.

God gave Melody MacDonald an amazing talent with photography.

God provided Brian’s sister with the means to store our household goods for at least 2 years while we are overseas. Let’s think outside of the box. How has God gifted you?

I have a few ideas of some talents that you may be able to use to come along side us in our ministry, and I’m sure you have some helpful talents that I haven’t thought of. So I’ll try to keep a running list of our needs for those of you who want to partner with us with your God given gifts and connections.

If you can help in these areas or know someone who is willing to provide a needed service at a discounted rate, please put us in contact with them. All of you are a blessing to us and we are strengthened through your love and encouragement.

Needs:

Prayers - for Brian’s trip to LA on April 21, 22 for “bootcamp” and a place for him to stay while he is there.
Play-dates for the kids. I need some time freed up to work on all the details. Prayer that the girls don’t feel neglected during this hectic time.
Moving boxes, and packing material. If you know someone moving into the area, we would love to take the boxes off their hands at their convenience. Willing to pay a small fee.
Help with our Heather Terrace neighborhood yard sale on April 25th. I will need someone to take the girls for most of the morning. I think it would be best if they didn’t see everything going, or try to buy a bunch of items from the neighbors. Maybe a couple of pickup trucks to haul everything to Goodwill or the dump in the afternoon.
Prayer for good renters for our 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home in Aptos. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please refer them to us. We plan to vacate the house the first week in June.

I will try to update the list as our needs change. Thank you all for the wonderful love and support that we have experienced in this journey. God has been so good to us and we are thrilled to share this with you as much as we possibly can.

Peace, Love, and Joy to you and those around you.

Thanks to Melody MacDonald

2009-03-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Melody MacDonald of Melody's Photography (http://melodysphotography.com/about.html) for the great job she did with our pictures.

The Journey Continues

2009-03-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sheila and I sent off the signed work agreements today to BFA. We continue to be in prayer regarding our support team. We have a presentation to make for the Mission board at Twin Lakes in early May. Sheila is busy doing a cost analysis regarding the most cost effective means of moving our things into storage, while juggling the care of our triplets. I'm working on our presentation and news letter.